Chestertons vs Hamptons
Updated October 2026
Chestertons and Hamptons International are both long-established property brands operating in Dubai: Chestertons is a British firm founded in 1805 whose MENA arm opened its first office in 2008, with its regional head office in Dubai Marina and further offices in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, while Hamptons International — a brand dating to 1869 — has operated in Dubai since 2006 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Emaar Properties. Both are RERA-regulated and handle sales, leasing and property management.
Chestertons and Hamptons side by side
| Compared | Chestertons | Hamptons |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Real estate brokerage and advisory | Real estate brokerage (subsidiary of Emaar Properties) |
| In the UAE since | 2008 (Chestertons brand founded 1805) | 2006 (Hamptons brand since 1869) |
| Reach | Dubai (head office, Dubai Marina), Abu Dhabi (Al Reem Island) and Sharjah (Al Muweilah) | Dubai |
| RERA registration | Dubai-licensed; ask for the agent's BRN and check it in the Dubai REST app | Office registration number (ORN) 358; check the agent's BRN in the Dubai REST app |
| Services | Residential and commercial sales and leasing, valuation, research and advisory | Residential and commercial sales, leasing, property management |
| Rating on RealtyReview.ae | Not yet rated | Not yet rated |
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Key differences between Chestertons and Hamptons
- Ownership: Hamptons International Dubai is a wholly owned subsidiary of Emaar Properties; Chestertons MENA is the Middle East arm of the British firm Chestertons.
- Reach: Chestertons has offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi (Al Reem Island) and Sharjah (Al Muweilah); Hamptons operates in Dubai.
- Heritage: the Chestertons brand dates to 1805 and its MENA arm opened in 2008; the Hamptons brand dates to 1869 and has operated in Dubai since 2006.
- Both are RERA-regulated Dubai brokerages (Hamptons ORN 358), so the same checks apply. Chestertons' Abu Dhabi and Sharjah work falls under those emirates' regulators.
Which should you choose?
Choose Chestertons if…
- You want a firm with offices across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, and advisory and research alongside agency.
- You're dealing around Dubai Marina, Al Reem Island or Sharjah.
Choose Hamptons if…
- You want an Emaar-owned agency for sales, leasing and property management.
- You're dealing in Dubai and value a long-established brand.
Choosing an agency? Read how to choose a real estate agent in Dubai and the questions to ask a real estate agent.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chestertons or Hamptons better in Dubai?
It depends on what you need and the agent. Chestertons offers agency plus valuation, research and advisory, with offices in three emirates; Hamptons International Dubai is an Emaar-owned agency handling sales, leasing and property management. Read reviews of each and of the individual agent before you sign.
How long have Chestertons and Hamptons operated in the UAE?
Chestertons opened its first MENA office in 2008 (the Chestertons brand dates to 1805). Hamptons International has operated in Dubai since 2006 (the Hamptons brand dates to 1869).
Who owns Hamptons International in Dubai?
Hamptons International Dubai is a wholly owned subsidiary of Emaar Properties. Chestertons MENA is the Middle East arm of the British firm Chestertons.
Where do they operate?
Chestertons has its regional head office in Marina Plaza, Dubai Marina, with offices in Abu Dhabi (Al Reem Island) and Sharjah (Al Muweilah). Hamptons International operates in Dubai.
How do I check either firm before I deal with it?
Ask for the agent's RERA Broker Registration Number (BRN) and check it in the Dubai REST app, confirm any listing has a valid DLD advertising permit, and sign Form A or Form B so the commission is in writing. Hamptons' RERA office number is 358. Pay to the named party in your contract, never to an agent personally.